President Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurated the historic 'Karadiyawara Mangallaya', the water filling of the Hambantota harbour basin (15 Aug).

This is the first time in history that a harbour basin, built inland, is filled with water through a breakwater. This completes the first phase of the Hambantota Port project allowing entry to international shipping.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message marking the occasion expressed confidence that the Port will contribute much to the national economy benefiting not only the Southern people but also the entire country including the North and East.

The Hambantota Port is the most significant of ports built in the country as a part of realizing the goals in Mahinda Chintana, to make Sri Lanka a centre of marine, aviation, commerce, energy and knowledge. It is also a part of the massive development projects currently underway in Hambantota such as the establishment of the Hambantota Airport, the International Cricket Stadium, the International Assembly Hall and the extension of the railway from Hambantota to Kataragama.

Visitors were allowed to the port premises from4am today without hindrance. Hundreds of people flocked to the location to have a glimpse of the water filling.

People were allowed to wade in the water when a small quantity of water was allowed into the harbour basin. This is an opportunity afforded once in a lifetime. Gradually, the basin will be filled to the required water level.

The Port of Hambantota, once completed, will provide a gamut of services to function as an international shipping centre.

As with every month of the year, the full moon day that falls on the month of August commemorates occurrences of Buddhist significance. This day named Esala Poya, signifies many events including the preaching of the Buddha's first sermon. (However according to the lunar calendar of this year Esala Poya falls a month ahead, in July). All over the island festivities are conducted in accordance and amongst them all the most revered and famous is the Kandy Esala Perahera - a rich and vibrant cultural celebration. Its origins date back to the 18th century during the time of the last reigning king of Sri Lanka, King Rajasinha of Kandy.

With months of preparation leading up to the public spectacle of colours, lights, dances and reverence the pageant extends through a period of 15 days. The procession is closely linked with the sacred Temple of the Tooth or "Dalada Maligawa" in Kandy. The Perahera brings together the honed skills of 1500 performers from all walks of life to form a tandem procession that draws throngs of crowds to witness the many facets of the celebration. Apart from the traditional dances of Sri Lanka, the pageant features whip crackers, fire eaters, fireball acrobats, flag bearers, musicians and drummers and up to 100 elephants and tuskers.

Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy Admiral Nirmal Verma accompanied by an Indian delegation and Mrs. Madulika Verma arrived in Sri Lanka at KatunayakeInternationalAirport by an Indian Air Force Flight on 27th June 2010. They were warmly received at the airport by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe and Mrs. Malathie Samarasinghe. Thereafter, the Indian Navy Chief was ushered into Colombo by a Sri Lanka Air Force helicopter.

Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Damayantha Dharmasiriwardena, the officials of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka including its Defence Attache Captain Pradeep Singh and other senior Naval officers were also present at the airport to receive the Indian Navy Chief and his entourage.

Indian Navy Commander pays a courtesy call on President Rajapaksa

Indian Navy Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on 28 June. Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe and Indian High Commissioner Ashok Kantha were also present.

We are aware that some countries being battered by terrorism have taken strength from the victories won by Sri Lanka over terrorism. It is time for the countries facing attacks from terrorism to look back and see where they had gone wrong, whereas Sri Lanka has succeeded, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his address to the Nation on the Victory Day celebrations at Galle Face, Colombo today.

It is a grave error of judgment to think that while being opposed to terrorism targeting you, to believe that terrorism that is no threat to you is good…The world has so far trod on this wrong path. Terrorism remains unvanquished because of this incorrect thinking. The countries that show sympathy towards terrorism and separatism will be the victims of terrorism. This is the lesson of history, President Rajapaksa further said.